Happy Friday to All!
MY JOHN did get some great images of TASTY and I while he was here visiting several days ago. I hope you enjoy them. He wanted to get a variety of photos…so you could share in the many activities which make up our day here at Lane’s End.
Basically, we eat, sleep, play, get tons of attention and grooming, and LOVE TO RUN! I guess one never gets too far from his / her roots…and ours, being that we are thoroughbred race horses, means we are bred to run. I must say…we have great FUN doing so!
HMMMM…..I hope our ‘babies to be’ inherit the passion we have for exercise, training, and running! HOOVES CROSSED! I know one thing for sure, both TASTY and I will set a very positive example and role model for our foals.
On the racing front, there are several very competitive stakes taking place this weekend. At DELTA DOWNS, the races at this venue highlight the action. With the graded stakes earnings from one singular race for 2 year olds, The Delta Jackpot which has a purse of $1,000,000, the winner and possibly the 2nd horse will earn enough graded stakes money to qualify for the 2012 Kentucky Derby field. So for this reason alone, this Grade 3 event becomes quite significant and one to follow. It has definite ramifications for next year’s 3 year old DERBY contenders and the graded stakes money one needs to ultimately qualify for the field.
I must say, our business is one of always looking ahead and thinking about the future! That is truly something that adds to the FUN and EXCITEMENT OF OUR SPORT!
Good Luck to all runners this weekend and their connections.
May ALL of you have a wonderful time as well.
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Zenny, You & TT look so happy together. Good friends are very important. Love that your ears are straight up & I can see your tail “high-fling” just like in the video last Christmas on your first release. Such joy!!! This photo made my day.
PEACE & LOVE
LauraJ in Cincinnati, OH
@signofthetimes, oh, good! I need my house. Honestly, I wouldn’t be too surprised if they keep all of her foals. Lucky foals.
Julie Anderson
AWESOME photos!!!!Thanks for sharing. ‘Z’ looks FANTASTIC…., and Tasty, too.
Julie in Bonsall
Sunny Boyd
Good morning Zetty,
what a beautiful picture your John took of you and your buddy Tasty.
Just sweet, and look how your tail is flying high, we just know you’re ready for take-off. Too cute
Have a great day
Margaret
Who’s Zetty?
Eveline / Maryland.
@ Terry Crow – so sorry for your loss.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dearest Z, What a lovely photo of you and TT. I’m behind in reading all the posts, sorry to say, but I’m checking in to wish Heidi from Vallejo, CA a happy birthday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Birthday Poem for Heidi from Vallejo, CA
(November 19, 2011)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dearest Heidi,
Your name sounds
Austrian, German or Swiss
(Like mine,
Which came to me
Via Liechtenstein)
And conjures a land
Where fine chocolate abounds.
Would it be amiss
To think a gift
Of chocolate candy
For you would be dandy?
Or to bring you bliss,
Would you rather wish
To have handy
A strong German brew?
Whatever folks for you
Today do,
We all wish you
A birthday that’s grand!
signofthetimes
Dearest Trina
Lovely poem for Heidi. Happy Birthday Heidi.
Hope you have a wonderful fun filled day.
XXXOOO
The Kennedys in San Diego
I was inspired by Barbara Grimaldi to share another Mario/Zenyatta gem.
***** ***** ***** ******
APPLE BLOSSOM TALES
In 2008 Mario took Zenyatta on her first plane flight to a race — the Apple Blossom at Hot Springs, Arkansas’ Oaklawn Park. Since this was a new experience for her, he was concerned she may be reluctant to walk up the ramp. When they were about two-thirds up, Zenyatta stopped suddenly and would go no farther. Mario quickly realized she had stopped to take in the view from this height. She stood there for some time enjoying the 360 degree panorama with her mane blowing in the breeze before boarding the plane.
When Mario and Zenyatta arrived at the Receiving Barn before the race, they were met by the track vet. “No filly/mare will ever be as good as this one” the vet declared pointing to the pictures of Azeri (2002, 2003 and 2004 Apple Blossom winner)adorning the wall.
As we know, Zenyatta turned in a sensational winning performance that day beating Champion Ginger Punch.
Flash forward two years to 2010. When Mario and Zenyatta arrived at the Oaklawn Receiving Barn for the 2010 Apple Blossom, they were met by the same track
vet. This time he had Zenyatta’s photos proudly displayed next to those of Azeri.
Mario led Zenyatta to the track for saddling and introduction to the fans crowding the grandstand. The track announcer introduced the horses in order by post position. When he announced the undefeated and two time Champion Zenyatta, she took two deep bows. Mario said that he has been asked many times if he pulled on the lead to induce those bows. He of course did not as you can see in the link below. Yes, she is otherworldly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgI3unblkxk&feature=related
Cynthia H./Where Zenyatta Danced
It is now post-time for the Carousel Derby. Race remains on the turf. L.A. weather cloudy and cool, but rain-free.
Judy “John Henry” Gadwood will be posting results later today.
signofthetimes
@Laura J
I was really worried you might lose your house.
I agree, they will probably keep her foals and sell
Her grandfoals. What have you seen small breeders
Do with their “families” not larger operations like
LE or Darley? Maybe they will keep the whole family.
signofthetimes
@The Kennedys
Lovely story. So many great racing mares
Only one Zenny.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@the Kennedys–thank you for the story. We could have met each other, along with Kari and others there! What a day it was!
Linda in NJ
@Heidi from Vallejo, CA–Happy Birthday to You!!
@The Kennedys in San Diego: Loved the story thanks for sharing.
@Terry Crow: Sorry for your loss.
Linda in NJ
@Trina Nagele: Another really nice and special birthday poem.
Cynthia H./Where Zenyatta Danced
@The Kennedys: Thank you for sharing anothergjem from Zenyatta’s jewel box of memories.
@Kari: 12th Heart.
Cynthia H./Where Zenyatta Danced
*aother gem (Space Queen II)
Cynthia H./Where Zenyatta Danced
*another (sigh)
Max
Zenyatta. It is great to see you and Tasty running. You are an inspiration always.
@The Kennedys. Your stories about Zenyatta are superb. I hope that you will recount more.
Barbara Grimaldi
Mr and Mrs Kennedy: Once again, I adored the story and when I saw her take actual bows of her own volition, it was another proof that indeed a star was born. How lucky all of us are to be here to see her greatness. Thank you for that video–after you see it, you can never forget it!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Thank you so much for that video link of Z taking her bows as her name is called. Wonderful. She’s extraordinary. Hugs, JB
Heidi (Vallejo.Calif)
Trina, thank you for the poem. Yes, German! LOL
Zenny, I got my hat today for my b-day! I love it… That will now be my “go-to hat!” We’ll see what else “pops up!” I’m hoping for the jersey! Keep your hooves crossed!
Also, thank you for all the b-day greetings from the Dumplings! Love you big girl!
mary bobolis
I adore these action pictures with your tail up. They’e super. Thank Dottie and John so much!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. Happy Saturday, beautiful girl!! Another absolutely amazing picture from your John. It must have been wonderful for both John and Dottie to see you enjoying life on the farm with your friend TT and then spending time together talking and catching up on everything that has been happening. You and Tasty will be amazing mothers. As the old saying goes: “You breed the best, to the best and hope for the best.” There will never be another Zenyatta, but your babies are going to be very special little individuals of their own. Thank you for bringing us up to date on some of the racing that will be happening this weekend. I think the biggest stakes race will actually be occurring at the LA Zoo. I understand there are some really grand fillies and mares making an appearance in the First Annual Dumpling Carousel Cup. I hope the cameras are rolling, not sure what track announcer will be present, but Trevor Denman would have been a good choice after his recent appearance at the Breeder’s Cup. So looking forward to hearing the results!! Sending my love and wishing a safe journey to all involved!!! I have also been watching the President’s Cup golf event for the last several days. It has been great. I’m cheering on Team America!!! I play the game and watch it on TV, my mother has never played, but she enjoys watching a great deal. When I made plans for our first long trip together, I took her to see the Master’s. Augusta is hallowed ground and she and I shared a remarkable experience. Have a wonderful weekend, Zenny. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Doreen in CT – Thank you for letting us know about Drosselmeyer. Thank you also for the link to how Claiborne Farm handles a mare foaling. I really enjoyed it and the information was great. You know the motto of the farm is: “100 Years – Doing the Usual, Unusually Well.” Here is a link to their web site video library, which is amazing. Once at the site you can also click on the history tab and find the story of the farm and some fantastic historical photos.
http://www.claibornefarm.com/media/
@JAG – Thank you for the link to the Kentucky Horse Park cam. Was watching Cigar just a moment ago. The Zenyatta video was great also. Of course they all are, aren’t they! Loved your check list for the big race!
@Terry Crow – I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. You have my sincere condolences.
@Rosemary McCauley – Thank you for thinking of our wonderful Shari Voltz and Homeroom 215. That was so very sweet of you.
@JSmith – So special to see your post. The link to Hootie was too cute!
@the Kennedys – Your posts are wonderful. Thank you for sharing another Mario and Zenyatta story.
@Cynthia H – Are you excited about the big race? I know I am! Hope you are enjoying the weekend. Take care! PS – Your compliment was beautiful.
@Kari, LouAnn and Sharon in Seattle – Sending my love! You are always in my thought and prayers.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
All – In remembrance of Bobby Frankel and to all who are missing a loved one (including seeing our amazing Zenyatta in person) or have lost a friend, family member or beloved pet. Here is a beautiful song by Barbara Streisand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKg5kb-gg1c
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@Doreen in CT – If you watch the video on Swale at the Claiborne Farm site link I gave, there is actual film of the foaling shed. Enjoy!
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Dawn Conrad — Thank you for posting the poignant story of Claiborne’s quest for a KY Derby winner. I always thought Swale had a heart attack and did not know the cause of death was never determined. Our visit to Claiborne last November was very special including Swale’s gravesite.
Eveline / Maryland.
Happy Birthday Heidi! Yet another treasure by Trina. A nice looking colt ( Sabercat) trained by Steve Asmussen won the Delta Jackpot
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Heidi–Happy Birthday!
@Dawn Conrad–thank you for the Claiborne link. I do hope someone videos the starting gate for the First Annual Dumpling Carousel Cup–too cute!
I think it’s kind of neat that we are all “adopting” Tasty too. I hope her owners don’t mind. She is adorable.
jeean
Wow, what a stunning photo of you and Tasty..it looks like a great painting by one of the Old Masters..! Jean.